Decrease in electricity consumption could delay investment in SA

August 15, 2012

A recent study from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has revealed some surprising new information about energy usage in South Australia and how homeowners are reducing their reliance on electricity suppliers.

The South Australian Electricity Report, released August 9, has shown a five per cent decrease in annual energy during the 2011-12 financial year in SA.

The AEMO attributes these figures to lower demand from large industrial and manufacturing customers, as well as an increase in the popularity of rooftop solar power systems.

"In South Australia, the uptake of rooftop PV systems has contributed to a reduction in demand by requiring less electricity to be drawn from the grid," said AEMO managing director and chief executive officer Matt Zema.

"AEMO estimates that 38 per cent of rooftop PV capacity installed in the State is producing electricity at times of summer maximum demand."

Around one in five homes in SA now utilise rooftop PV solar power in order to lower their monthly utility bills and combat rising electricity prices.

The AEMO has forecast that this development will allow for a delay of up to five years in the need for further investment in electricity generation infrastructure.